Best new stores for fashion and clothing in New York

This NYC designer has had a cult following since she started her eponymous line 14 years ago, and as of June 2014, Rachel Comey’s followers finally have a place to flock to. At her Soho flagship—Comey’s first brick-and-mortar happens to be next to her apartment—you’ll find the complete collection of vintage-inspired women’s clothing (dresses start at $299). The shoes, arguably her most popular offerings, take center stage on a lengthy concrete platform located under a skylight in the middle of the shop.

Many stores have closed recently in favor of operating solely online, but this popular e-commerce site has done the opposite. After nine years as a Web-only women’s boutique, La Garçonne has opened a brick-and-mortar in Tribeca. In addition to its in-house collection, La Garçonne Moderne, the store features a mix of designers both emerging and established. Just like the site, the store’s aesthetic is refined and minimal. The prices are on the high side (a Y’s patchwork tank dress is $1,160), so shop here when you want to splurge.

Artist Damien Hirst is one of the main folks behind this new Soho shop. It’s the retail spot for his arts-based publishing company featuring original prints and books ($15 and up). But the two-story space offers more than paper products; look for pricey jewelry (a standout is the collab between Hirst and Los Angeles jeweler Hoorsenbuhs) and budget-friendly items such as logo totes ($20). The lower level will host exhibitions and other events.

Designer Will Adler debuts the first NYC brick-and-mortar store for his eponymous label, Will Leather Goods (the brand’s goods were previously sold only at high-end retailers such as Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue). The shop carries the brand’s full collection of rustic leather accessories for men and women, including wallets ($75–$300), bags ($75–$900) and belts ($35–$200). Top picks include women’s leather hurache sandals ($155), canvas-and-leather totes ($195) and vintage Mexican wool-and-leather duffel bags ($695).

Store owner Jason Somerfeld stocks his men’s clothing store (housed in a former Chelsea gallery) with a few exclusives. This is the only spot in the city where you’ll find hats ($38) and T-shirts ($32) from Freedom Artists, and Boy London T-shirts, sweatpants and hats ($30 and up). Other casual brands featured in the boutique include Orlebar Brown and Burkman Brothers. Somerfeld is a hands-on shopkeeper, so expect free style advice and sneak peeks of incoming threads while you’re trying on clothes.

Mommy-and-me, but not matchy-matchy: That's the philosophy behind Mimi & Mo in Long Island City. But you don't need to be a parent to shop here. Women will find of-the-moment sophisticated separates like slim-fit silk Equipment blouses ($204), BB Dakota pleather-sleeve shirts ($70) and minimalist metallic sandals from Yosi Samra ($138).

Bullett, the Web mag and creative agency, has always had an online shop, but with limited offerings. Expect much more selection at its new brick-and-mortar location in Tribeca. Shop for men's and women's clothing with an emphasis on up-and-coming designers (such as Andrea Crews, DEGEN and Ropberto Piqueras), as well as gifty items (art books, blooming cactus plants and more). While the shop is technically a pop-up slated to be open through August, the company hints it may become a permanent boutique.

Menswear label Feltraiger packed up its "new classic American merch and moved its flagship from the Lower East Side to Williamsburg in March 2014. The Amaericana-decorated store (think displays made from Brooklyn wood crates, motorcycle art) features the popular Ryder black raw-denim jacket ($185), button-up shirts ($120–$180) and more. Most of the goods boast the Feltraiger label, but you'll also find items like Heartbreaker pomade ($12) thrown into the mix.

The folks behind men's clothing line Bonobos debuted AYR, its label for women, online in early 2014—and now ladies can check out the clothes in person. Just like the Bonobos Guideshop, this AYR outpost functions as a private fitting room. Women can make a free appointment online to meet with one of the in-house stylists (walk-ins are also accepted) and try on the brand's full line of sophisticated blouses, jeans, jackets and more ($150–$450). After you've made your selections, place your order (with free shipping), and your threads will arrive at your door within a couple of days.

Local designer Julia Small O’Kelly debuts the first brick-and-mortar store for her interiors label, Smallhome (which has been sold at Williamsburg market Artists & Fleas). The shop features reclaimed vintage housewares ($25–$250) and kitchen goods ($15–$58), as well as apothecary items ($14–$45) from other labels.